Manila: Properly engineered reclamation is a science-backed defense against floods and climate impacts, the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) said Tuesday. In a statement, the PRA noted that reclamation is not a threat but ‘a science-backed safeguard for communities.’ The agency highlighted that recent typhoons have demonstrated how reclamation acts as a frontline defense for Metro Manila, preventing waste and garbage from exacerbating floods in the capital.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PRA emphasized that ‘properly engineered reclamation is a proven solution for flood control and climate resilience,’ citing global models. It pointed to Singapore’s elevated reclaimed land, engineered shorelines, and advanced drainage systems as successful examples of climate adaptation that protect communities from storm surges, heavy rains, and rising seas. ‘The PRA applies these same globally recognized principles to safeguard Filipino families,’ the agency stated.
The PRA also asserted its exclusive mandate under the Office of the President, emphasizing that it is the sole government authority to define, regulate, and approve reclamation projects, and that ‘no other agency can legally determine or classify land as reclamation.’ To enhance its technical capacity, the PRA mentioned that its officers visited Erasmus University in Rotterdam in May 2025 to gain insights for urban development while ensuring environmental preservation.
Recently, the agency conducted a technical briefing with Singapore’s Surbana Jurong to learn advanced coastal engineering and flood management strategies. The PRA also underscored its enforcement function, stating it has the ‘duty to stop illegal reclamation.’ It recalled addressing unlawful activities in Laguna de Bay earlier this year and has since established a dedicated task force to pursue and halt these illegal operations, directly countering claims that reclamation activities are unregulated.
The agency assured the public of its commitment to safety and its goal of ‘defending the national interest and making the Philippines always ready for climate challenges.’
